Ulla-Riikka Kuisma

Ulla-Riikka is a passionate music pedagogue and freelance musician, whose special interest is in beginner cello teaching, instrumental group teaching and early years music pedagogy. Born in Finland, Ulla-Riikka finished her bachelor degree in instrument pedagogy in Jyväskylä University of Applied Sciences 2007. Between 2008 and 2012 she also studied solo cello at Budapest’s Liszt Academy, in Tampere and at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, graduating with a MMus degree.

Ulla-Riikka worked as a cello teacher in several music schools in the Tampere region from 2010 to 2017. Alongside working, she specialised in Suzuki pedagogy and has completed teacher exams 1, 2 and 3.

From 2017 Ulla-Riikka has worked for Sistema Scotland in various roles. Being passionate about learning and tailoring her teaching to each student, she has kept widening her understanding of teaching methodologies. Her current role in Sistema Scotland is Curriculum Leader for Early Years.

Alongside teaching work, Ulla-Riikka is a keen performer that enjoys chamber music and exploring different genres. She has played in numerous orchestras including Cape Philharmonic Orchestra, South Africa (2008) and Mahler Players (2021 – current). Recent performances include chamber music concerts with violinist Francis Moore-Colyer as part of the Aberdeen Chamber Music Concerts’ Residency 2021 at the Aberdeen Art Gallery 2022, and with ZeNoBo piano trio concerts in St Andrews and Aberdeen 2022.

Ulla-Riikka currently teaches at the RCS Junior Conservatoire’s Primary Instrumental Programme since 2022.